Rifle Club – Style Over Substance, But One We Will Love
Some movies are meant to be experienced on the big screen, and Rifle Club is definitely one of them. Watching it on Netflix, I couldn’t help but feel I missed out on the sheer scale and spectacle that a theatrical experience would have offered. Certain scenes—whether it’s the impeccably staged action sequences or the powerful dramatic moments—scream “big screen magic!”
But even on OTT, Rifle Club stands tall. It’s a film that doesn’t try to be overly complex or overly emotional. It knows exactly what it wants to do: entertain you with style, charm you with its characters, and sprinkle just enough subtext to keep you intrigued.
The final act that makes it all worth it
Let’s start with the highlight: the final 30 minutes. This is where the movie shifts into top gear. The action choreography is jaw-dropping, the staging of each scene feels meticulously crafted, and the banter between characters is sharp and endlessly entertaining. If you felt the first half was slow or thought the film was holding back, those last 20 minutes more than compensate. It’s a crescendo of thrills and satisfaction.
The little instances and hidden subtexts
For those who know Mammootty as a living legend, Rifle Club offers a unique treat—a simple yet powerful dialogue exchange that offers a thrilling glimpse into his rise to stardom. It’s moments like these that deliver the film’s entertainment quotient, keeping us hooked with its clever nuances.

One standout sequence towards the end features a playful yet layered banter between Dileesh Pothan’s Avaran and Anurag Kashyap’s Devanand Bare, two vibrant characters brought to life by prolific Indian filmmakers. Their exchange, centered around cinema, feels both witty and thought-provoking, showcasing the film’s sharp writing.
Adding to the intrigue is Devanand’s costume—a clever design choice subtly portraying him as a tiger or leopard invading the hunting club. This detail adds depth to the climactic showdown, making the final act as visually symbolic as it is gripping.
Syam Pushkaran, who has given us some of the most memorable lines in recent Malayalam cinema, works his magic again. His dialogues are so relatable, so naturally delivered, that you feel like these characters aren’t just on-screen—they could very well be people you know.
The Cinematic Flair
Visually, Rifle Club is stunning. The cinematography is a standout feature, elevating every scene with its dynamic framing and use of light and shadows. Whether it’s an intense action sequence or a quiet character moment, the visuals draw you in and keep you there.

One of the most impressive aspects of Rifle Club is its ability to juggle such a large cast. So many actors, and yet no one gets lost in the shuffle. Every character gets their moment, and no one overshadows anyone else. It’s rare to see a film strike this kind of balance, and Rifle Club nails it.
Why Rifle Club Works
At its core, this movie isn’t about delivering the most groundbreaking story or tugging at your heartstrings with emotional drama. It’s about entertainment, plain and simple—but entertainment done with style, wit, and intelligence. It’s about how you choreograph action sequences that are thrilling and purposeful. It’s about how you develop characters that feel real even in a heightened world. And it’s about how you make every moment—big or small—count.
Directed by Aashiq Abu, Rifle Club is a wholesome action entertainer that knows exactly what it’s doing. It’s not the best film ever made, but it might just be the most entertaining one streaming right now.

I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!